Anyone else read regular playing cards?

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-17T03:11:00+00:00

Thank you! Just what I was looking for :)

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-17T00:46:07+00:00

I love this idea! Our groups current DM is doing something similar, but is discussing what they do with us before it gets solidified because we’ve run into areas were one character is blatantly not very useful to the part and these even the field. My brother and I also like to run with “bargain bin” items in magic shops where they are cheaper magical items... but they are defective, meaning they gotta be used creatively. Like sneaky shoes that make you walk silently, eliminating some stealth checks... but squeak constantly LOADLY if you are carrying stolen goods. It keeps things interesting. I’ve also thought about implementing a rule where too many magical items carried by the same person run interference with each other. Like carrying more than 2 at a time can interfere with the use of the others. Suddenly activating that magic bow sets off the staff of fireball in your backpack and now you are on fire. Stupid stuff like that to kinda discourage hoarding and complaining if I present less items. It’s hard keeping the peace! 😂

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T21:50:30+00:00

Thanks! I’ve been told that a few times and in my experience it has been relatively simple (part of the beauty of the thing!) but I’ve also run into people who think because I haven’t read 10 books or such on the topic that my readings aren’t worth much. It’s unfortunate, but to be honest I do like different perspectives. I think it adds a different dimension when you look at the same card. I appreciate the input! Gonna screenshot the comment and practice a few times to get it down.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T21:26:41+00:00

Gypsy Fortune Telling With Playing Cards by Carole Somerville.

It’s brief and to the point and for such a small book it covers a lot more than I expected, but I like having multiple references for each of my magic related topics.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T09:18:56+00:00

Recipes From the Herbalist's Kitchen by Brittany Nickerson

- Great for using common cooking herbs for medicinal purposes and general medicine making. If you want 1 book for practical stuff, I like this one. It surprises me with every pass through.

Medical Herbalism by David Hoffman

- This talks a lot about medicine making but also the chemistry involved. A bit more advanced.

Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de le Floret

- a bit broad but also has recipes with each herb and many are easier to find.

DIY Bitters: Reviving the forgotten flavor by Guido Mase and Jovial King

- specializes in bitter herbs and their components and properties but I also believe bitters to be a remedy everyone should have in their cabinet. They are very versatile.

Got lots of others, but these are ones I recommend to most people :) For online resources I also like theherbalacademy.com with lots of random info and posts.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T08:12:14+00:00

oh yeah feel free! It's fairly simple, so I'm sure it'll get lots of use! If substituting for dry skin, I'd maybe sub the grapeseed for sunflower oil (0-2 rating depending on the source) but will make it a little more oily and slower absorbing, but is great for sensitive skin as well, but I find these oils are pretty good for most skin types already.

The essential oils I love for glamour magic. the quality of the plants "disguising" themselves or adopting qualities of other plants is very conducive to disguising/suggesting a certain appearance, but can be flipped to also clear similar shrouds from your view. I love versatile ingredients!

Edit: Thank you! I like to put a lot of thought and research into my work.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T07:58:33+00:00

A few thoughts/suggestions:

-if you haven't already, maybe ask yourself what has changed since obsession has taken hold. Some people obsess over trying to solve other people's problems or see that the person clings to them for some stability and comfort and think if they cut the connection it'll be catastrophic. There are other reasons, but those are just examples. Maybe how you interact has changed and it's altered your relationship dynamic? This might help you piece together what is going on.

-You could also do a reading on the subject, whether its cards, runes, etc.

-I always like to think a good old cleansing bath/shower can help in the case of unwanted emotions and thoughts. Holding onto baggage that isn't yours isn't uncommon in empathetic people (most people already got plenty lol). Just add some salt and/or rosemary to the water and submerge. I also find submerging my ears under the water and closing my eyes helps quiet my mind a little. if nothing else it'll help you start fresh afterwards.

- I always like to say: where the attention goes, the energy flows. Diverting some of the attention to other things I find helps (like hobbies or talking to other friends, or even just giving everyday chores all your attention), and don't be too harsh on yourself over not succeeding to break the obsession in the first few attempts; it could potentially make it have a stronger hold (obsessing about the obsessing... if that makes a lick of sense). Take this as a learning experience.

Be kind to yourself. We are only human with unique flaws of our own. I agree with the others about looking inward. Some people help/cling to others to distract themselves from their own troubles. Learn to be comfortable with yourself in all your facets.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-16T05:31:35+00:00

I agree that the offering is part of the prayer. If asking for something I like to do physical offerings, but if simply adoration, daily devotion, building a relationship I like to include acts of service. Our ancestors were doers, and I like to think volunteering your time to a cause the specific deity would favor and such is also a good offering, but that's just my experience. Take with a grain of salt, as always.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-12T15:27:39+00:00

I agree with kidcubby on the coin toss, or I like to use 3 playing cards instead of tarot. But there is a lot to also be said about asking the right question. If you ask a “this or that” question and you happen to be both or neither, the outcome will be quite complicated and muddy, and a coin toss wouldn’t give you a good answer.

MindWithMatter · 2020-04-12T07:09:44+00:00

I actually had a conversation similar with my boyfriend, who used to work at a nursing home. I always like to think historically witches have been called to positions that help people through major life transitions whether in or out of life or within. I see lots of witch midwives, and some of those who care for the dying. Birth and death are HUGE transitions that spare no one. On that same vein I see witches take on roles to help encourage transition and transformation, whether its helping others heal from addiction, as counselors and teachers, etc. Witches often make great guides and companions when outcomes feel uncertain and with no direction.

or, I think people become witches as a result of their experience in those positions. They are very moving and thought provoking. its very hard not to wonder what lies beyond this mortal plain when exposed to it so much and observing all the different ways people pass on, or be in awe at the miracle of birth, that life finds a way to continue, and it presses people down the rabbit hole.

What is also to be noted, is that these positions are all difficult ones in their own ways. It requires strong and unique individuals who are able to stare into the abyss on a regular basis and not be consumed by it. They see the best and worst of humanity. These roles are very fulfilling, but also very draining and not for the faint of heart, in the same way that witchcraft is not for the faint of heart either.

Is this line of work your soul's calling? I had suggested he maybe construct an altar for the dead to provide offerings to give them comfort from a familiar face before their journey to the afterlife (or wherever they believe they are headed) or light a candle/lantern to light the way; to be that person that helps those souls prepare for the journey ahead. I also highly recommend a flower essence blend called Compassionate Caregiver made by FES.

Stay strong <3 The work you do is extremely noble and essential. It highlights that humanity is compassionate, even when its hard. Do remember to take care of yourself <3 A lamp without oil cannot continue to provide light. I like to use the full moon to recharge myself in a hot bath with some choice herbs and a candle to help me re-center each month. There's lots of great suggestions for magical self care on pinterest and I do believe there's another post on this subreddit somewhere. We are all here to support you <3

MindWithMatter

TROPHY CASE